Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the polka, Wisconsin’s State Dance

MADISON, WI — In April, Wisconsin radio stations will recognize the 30th anniversary of polka
becoming Wisconsin State Dance. Stacy Harbaugh, host of Polka Time with DJ Shotski,
encourages radio stations to play polka music on April 21. The state dance law was enacted on
April 21, 1994 and signed by Governor Tommy Thompson in Pulaski on April 29, 1994.

“Polka music is deeply entwined in Wisconsin’s history and culture,” said DJ Shotski. “We still
listen to polka music today because it is happy music for all ages and for the whole community
to come together and enjoy.”

In November, Governor Tommy Thompson joined DJ Shotski in the WVMO-FM studio for an
interview about the significance of polka music to Wisconsin’s history and his recollections of the
lively bill signing event in Pulaski in 1994. Segments of the interview, from 22 seconds to just
over a minute, will be available for radio stations to air during news or culture shows.

“Because the polka is more than a dance,” said Thompson. “It’s tradition. It’s culture. It’s food.
It’s beer! To be able to sign this bill into law was sort of a capstone. It was bringing everything
together: the culture of Wisconsin, the fun times, the exciting times, you know, heritage.”
Also available will be polka songs by Wisconsin recording artists recorded off of original vinyl
records. Songs include the “Beer Barrel Polka,” the “Wisconsin Waltz” and more.

Materials will be provided through the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association by DJ Shotski and
98.7 WVMO, recipient of the 2022 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association large market radio
Station of the Year award.

DJ Shotski is a passionate collector of records and lives in Madison, Wisconsin. She shares her
collection with others — particularly Dutchman-style recordings from Wisconsin and the upper
Midwest — at events and on Polka Time on 98.7 WVMO Sunday nights at 7 p.m. The show also
broadcasts on 103.5 WLSP-FM in Sun Prairie, 101.9 WOCT-FM in Oshkosh, 88.9 WOJB-FM in
Hayward/Reserve, 93.1 WPCA-FM in Amery, and 96.3 WILW-FM in Waupaca.

Visit djshotski.com for more information about Polka Time or contact djshotski@gmail.com for
questions or interviews.

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